Me and My Christmas Familiar (An MM Monster Christmas)

Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

“ D o you think the snow will let up soon?” Lachlan sat in the living room of the family apartment. Kit prowled the room, rubbing against people as he passed them.

The snow rustled as it hit the window, a blur of white movement.

The flames crackled and danced in the fireplace, chasing away the cold of the snowy night. Everyone sat on mismatched chairs or the wooden floor. Not all his siblings were here. Trent and Ordelia were at her place. Lacy was staying with her girlfriend, Orim. Jack had gone to deliver scones to the dragon Avery and apparently was still there.

The gargoyle who usually remained perched on rooftops, whose name was Uzoth, had given them that information. For years, Lachlan had seen Uzoth on rooftops, a constant presence in the quarter. Strangely, he seemed to have developed a friendship with Grady recently and now was here in their apartment.

Uzoth and Grady had spent a decent part of that evening in Grady’s room before they emerged. Lachlan didn’t know what to make of the unusual relationship.

Despite several family members not staying in the apartment, they did not have more space. Briar had recently found his werewolf mate in the forest. And now Wulfric lived with them. At present, they sat on the settee. Briar had a book on mates open on his lap. The werewolf crocheted, a small frown between his brows.

Cas’s orc, Graal, had lost his rented room. So he was bunking with Cas. Lachlan’s cheeks flushed at the memory of the sounds they’d made together in Cas’s room that evening. They had yet to emerge from the room.

A lot was going on with his siblings at the moment.

And of course, Lachlan had Kit. But Kit took up no space. Leo and Jasper, his older twin brothers were also at home. But they were in their room.

“Hopefully.” Grady glanced at the window. He took a slice of bread, slathered some butter on it, and took a bite.

Kit stopped in front of Uzoth. Kit gazed up at the gargoyle’s sharp grey features and large horns. Uzoth stood by the wall, arms crossed over his muscular chest. He didn’t blink, didn’t move, just stood completely still, as if carved from stone.

Was he carved from stone?

Lachlan didn’t know much about gargoyles, and it felt rude to ask. Uzoth’s large wings remained tucked behind his back. His long midnight-black hair, the only part of him that didn’t seem stone-like, hung to his chest. Sharp fangs peeked out from behind his lips. His tail lay still on the floor.

Kit rubbed against Uzoth’s legs. Then he paused in front of him and launched up into the crook of Uzoth’s folded arms.

Lachlan tensed, sitting forward.

The gargoyle didn’t react for several seconds. Then, with minuscule movements, the gargoyle’s neck angled forward. He looked down at the cat in his arms. Kit placed his paws on Uzoth’s chest, sniffing at his mouth and nose.

Uzoth didn’t react.

After several moments, Lachlan relaxed back into his armchair slightly. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Uzoth. He just didn’t really know what to expect from him.

“Anyway, the Christmas markets will definitely be shut tonight. Probably tomorrow.” Grady scratched at his jaw. “And the bakery might be closed tomorrow if the snow keeps going.” Grady’s gaze met Lachlan’s. “When you wake tomorrow, check the snowfall. If it looks bad, don’t bother setting up.”

“I’ll probably still go down,” Lachlan said softly. “I want the bakery to know we care and tend to them even when they aren’t providing for our customers.”

Grady nodded and glanced at Uzoth.

Lachlan’s mouth dropped open. Kit lay relaxed in the gargoyle’s arm, limbs drooping, eyes closed. The gargoyle had one hand placed on top of Kit’s head, fingers scratching.

“Anyway, best if we can all rest whilst we can’t work,” Grady said. “Eat, sleep, and get back your strength. Once the snow passes, we’ll be back at full speed for the Christmas season.”

Everyone rose. For a moment, Lachlan watched Kit in Uzoth’s arms. As if sensing Lachlan’s gaze, Kit opened his eyes. He straightened and stretched. He jumped down and came over to Lachlan.

Uzoth’s arms dropped, his neck straightened, head facing forward, expression remaining blank, as still as a statue once more.

Lachlan and Kit returned to their room.

“I’m glad Jack reached Avery’s safely.” Lachlan lit the lantern in the room and placed it on the side table. Kit padded in after.

Snow fell against the glass. Wind rattled the pane. He shivered. “It’s freezing even in here.”

He looked back to Kit, who sat, staring up at Lachlan. “Guess we should do what Grady says and get some rest whilst we can.” His lip quirked. “Be warmer in the bed too. And at least we won’t have to listen to Jack snoring if he is staying the night at Avery’s.”

Kit jumped on the bed and began pawing the sheets.

“Actually…” Lachlan darted into the main room.